In the estuaries, flathead remain consistent with fish on offer from basically all points this side of where the river turns fresh. Lures, whitebait and the humble mullet strip have all been well worth throwing. Pick of the other species has been whiting with terrific fish taken from Blackmans Point, Limeburners and of course Lake Cathie. A few nice bream and tarwhine have also been on offer around the break walls, along with the occasional school mulloway. A few blackfish have also been taken in Limeburners by those fishing lightly weighted yabbies around the weed beds. On the crabbing front, some nice blue swimmers have been found between Hibbard and Pelican Island, while the upstream haunts are still certainly worth a look for muddies. Further up river, those fishing the fresh are still scoring some solid bass, with early morning sessions throwing surface lures proving the more productive approach.

On the beaches, some reasonable bream to around a kilo have been taken from both Lighthouse and North beach, with the average size more in line with what we expect in winter. Certainly no one is complaining about this at all. Along with the bream, a few well conditioned whiting have been caught on both worms and pipis, while the odd school mulloway remains active after dark. A few reasonable tailor are also about, which is no surprise given the amount of bait fish around at present. Hopefully their presence will not go unnoticed by some better quality mulloway, with a great lunar phase and optimum tides kicking off later in the week.

Off the rocks, tailor numbers are reasonable with Point Plomer and Diamond Head faring best, whilst Lighthouse locally is also worth a throw. Most ledges are also holding bonito with Point Perpendicular proving very consistent. A few nice bream have been on the chew during early mornings, with tailor strips proving the bait of choice. Little to report on the land based game scene as yet however from this month onwards is generally when it all happens.

Offshore, conditions have been average at best on most days unfortunately. Those who have got out have struck plenty of current wider out, although there have been a few mulloway, teraglin and kingfish if you are prepared to battle the tide. Closer in, Plomer has produced a few snapper, while the occasional mackerel and cobia have been taken in Barries Bay, oddly enough in the cooler green water. No news yet of the replacement FAD however hopefully it won’t be too long.